Business Review West Michigan, a Kalamazoo Gazette sister publication, selected DKI from a pool of 38 finalists representing companies and organizations across the state. The award, in its fifth year, recognizes new and innovative ideas, products or collaborations in the business world.

DKI, a private not-for-profit organization contracted by Kalamazoo’s Downtown Development Authority, launched the retail incubation program in 2009 to help create new shops in Kalamazoo’s central business district.

Three stores on the South Kalamazoo Mall have opened thanks to the program, which provides business training, mentoring and subsidized rent for 18 months, said Rob Peterson, DKI’s director of business recruitment and retention. A fourth store is planning to open this fall.

The incubation program was one of eight winners in this year’s Innovation Michigan awards. Also recognized were Quaeris, of Grand Rapids; AL Software, of Detroit; PiSAT, of Grand Rapids; Dynamic Computer Corp., of Farmington Hills; GRid70, of Grand Rapids; Crystal Clean Auto Detailing, of Grand Rapids; and Heart of West Michigan United Way, of Grand Rapids.